Rural Economic Development (RED) Program
News Release

For Immediate Release August 24, 2007

McGuinty Government Invests in South Simcoe

Business Retention And Expansion Initiative To Support Local Agriculture

ALLISTON - The McGuinty government is investing in a plan to strengthen the agri-food sector in southern Simcoe County, Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced today.

"Our government recognizes the importance of improving the economy of south Simcoe County by establishing an Agricultural Action Plan," said Dombrowsky. "By supporting this important initiative, we are laying the foundation for continued economic prosperity in local communities."

The province will contribute $29,700 to help the Nottawasaga Community Economic Development Corporation and its partner, NT Temps Inc. carry out key surveys of local agricultural activities and put the Agricultural Action Plan in place.

"The provincial government's support of this project is invaluable," said Valerie Ryan, CEO of the Nottawasaga Community Economic Development Corporation. "This funding will allow us to identify the strengths of our local agri-food sector and build upon them to the benefit of the economy and citizens of south Simcoe County."

This is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have achieved results in rural Ontario. Other examples include:

• Providing an additional $70 million for the Rural Infrastructure Investment Initiative. This means a total of $140 million will be available for improvements to water systems, roads, bridge and other priorities
• Providing $472 million in 2007 to rural municipalities through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund
• Recognizing innovation in the province's agriculture sector by creating the five-year, $2.5-million Premier's Awards for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence. In 2007, 55 awards totaling $425,000 were presented at events across the province

Today's investment was made through the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program, which invests in community-based projects that support sustainable rural economies in three priority areas: improved access to health care services, revitalized communities and downtowns, and enhanced skills training.

Through the RED Program, the province has invested $45.1 million in 139 projects, representing a total investment of $477.4 million in rural Ontario, since 2003. The Ontario government and its partners are building strong rural communities that work better for the people who live in them.

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Contacts:
Kelly Synnott
Minister's Office
416-326-6439

Brent Ross
Communications Branch
416-326-9342

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